The Story of our Health Message

Influenced by the Dansville Institution

Because of their connection for some time with Dr. Jackson’s institution at Dansville, New York, it was but natural that the physicians of the Health Reform Institute should have been influenced very largely by the principles and methods of that institution. Timely cautions were now given against unduly patterning the Health Reform Institute at Battle Creek, Michigan, after the one in Dansville, New York, especially “in matters of religion and amusement.” Mrs. White said: SHM 177.2

“Should those connected with this enterprise cease to look at their work from a high religious standpoint, and descend from the exalted principles of present truth to imitate in theory and practice those at the head of institutions where the sick are treated only for the recovery of health, the special blessing of God would not rest upon our institution more than upon those where corrupt theories are taught and practiced. ... It should ever be kept prominent that the great object to be attained through this channel is not only health, but perfection and the spirit of holiness, which cannot be attained with diseased bodies and minds. This object cannot be secured by working merely from the worldling’s standpoint.”—Ibid., 554. SHM 177.3

To some extent policies of the Dansville institution were being introduced, such as the recommendation of amusements that excite and weary the brain, and an undue emphasis upon complete physical and mental rest. It is of interest to note that in this early instruction outdoor manual work for the patients was presented as a beneficial exercise. Regarding this, Mrs. White wrote: SHM 177.4

“I saw there should be connected with the institute ample grounds, beautiful with flowers, and planted with vegetables and fruits. Here the feeble could find work, appropriate to their sex and condition, at suitable hours. These grounds should be under the care of an experienced gardener, to direct all in a tasteful, orderly manner.”—Ibid., 562. SHM 178.1

At the time that Mrs. White wrote these words, the term “occupational therapy,” as well as its value, was unknown. It is a cause for regret that Seventh-day Adventists did not recognize more fully the potential value of the foregoing instruction given to them so many years ago. Others have been privileged to lead out in the adoption of the work cure, with demonstrations of remarkable success.¹ SHM 178.2